Ecommerce must haves

[topgunkos]

I am looking to get a webshop developed in prestashop for a dropshipping venture(As the reseller). What would you say are the must have features for an ecommerce website. Perhaps someone could provide a link to a website that they think is the "perfect" site? Obviously I am not talking about Amazon etc but small and medium businesses.

thanks

[The Boosh]

Here's our prestashop.

http://www.cliosport.net/shop/

[cuneus]

A decent fast autocomplete search (unlike the site above)

Accept cards and Paypal

Pay very close attention to the check out - try and minimise the number of fields and don't make people register

Reassurance about security (SSL and logos)

Address and a prominent landline telephone number

Get some people who have never used it to give some feedback

[anonymous-user]

cuneus said:

don't make people register

+1 That always pisses me off for some reason? Even though it would save me time if I returned to buy again. Maybe it's just me. Agree with all the other points too.

[jammy_basturd]

People want to be able to find products quickly. So good filtering options down the side and as above, a good search facility.

We found a marked increase in conversion rate on one ecommerce site once we'd stuck a banner on the home page, just under the menu that stated a price guarantee, no quibble money back refund policy and free delivery.

I want to know the product is in stock and that you offer delivery options that mean I'll get it tomorrow.

There is no excuse not to have big clear images of each product and a good description and specification.

I want to know you're a reputable company that isn't going to run off with my money. So an About page, I want to know where the company is located. Need a phone number displayed in the header or footer.

Live sales chat is always useful for questions.

Always nice to see clearance, discount or sales sections and grab a bargain!

[petemurphy]

delivery charge up frpnt and clear - how to piss someone off they go through all the registration etc and find out its a huge charge

[CrouchingWayne]

Prestashop is a bit of a nightmare, I had a site using it and found it very buggy and the support network was poor for my issues. I recommend wooCommerce which is compatible with Wordpress.

[petemurphy]

i use bigcommerce if that helps has been v good although you pay for it

[maffski]

Must have feature for an ecommerce site? Customers. If they never visit your site it doesn't mater how good it is.

I'd keep it clean and simple, then put my efforts into getting visitors - ebay/amazon/etsy/blog/youtube/social engagement whatever.

[C Lee Farquar]

petemurphy said:

delivery charge up frpnt and clear - how to piss someone off they go through all the registration etc and find out its a huge charge

Yes, and as previously mentioned a proper address and phone number

[khushy]

The Boosh said:

Here's our prestashop.

http://www.cliosport.net/shop/

nice job!

[DSLiverpool]

One thing quite rare but IMHO a real must have is this

Showing the GP on each order dash screen so you immediately know if you have bought or sold wrong or entered wrong - you immediately know you have a problem - cant do it on Magento as easily as this sadly.